I got an alignment after getting new tires mounted but had to go back because the car was pulling to the right. They couldn't figure it out and ended up switching the rear tires to the front to try to correct the problem. Anyway, they put one of my front lug nuts on crooked and so when I took my tires off today to paint them, the bolt stripped the stud when I removed it.

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I'm guessing the shop had used air tools to put my lug nuts back on and somehow one of the techs inadvertently put this one on crooked before tightening it.

Two questions:
1. How much to repair a front wheel stud on a 2006 wrx?
2. Should the shop pay for it?

 

You have to decide whether or not you think the fault is theirs. If you decide it is , call before you go there. Ask for a manager. Ask a good time to go down and speak to the manager. When that time comes, meet with the manager with your receipt in hand. Calmly explain and get straight to the point. Ex: I had my car serviced. The wheels haven't been off since. When removing, the stud was stripped out and is damaged. I'd like for it to be resolved." give him a chance to respond and go from there.

 

2 questions:

How long has it been since you had the wheels mounted?

Do you have a receipt or some record of the service?


Accidents like his happen at shops, my guess is that they'll replace the stud for free.
+1 when you go in, be nice and have your documentation

 

It's a $5-$10 stud, and is fairly easy to fix.

But my first choice would be to calmly explain the situation to them and see how they are willing to remedy the situation. If they don't want to do anything, don't push it. Cut your losses and run.

 

Long Beach Mazda did this to my buddy on a bunch. They have non english speaking workers to do tire rotations etc..... apparently they are non mechanics as well.

The guy was such an arrogant ***** (the manager), if I ever have to drop a duece in Longbeach I know where to go.

 

The alignment was only 3-4 weeks ago and the tires haven't been removed/loosened since. Right now I'm up in Seattle for the holidays and the shop is in Santa Rosa so I'll be driving back down in two weeks. I guess I'll go talk to the manager when I get there and present the receipt and evidence.

Will I be okay making the 14 hour drive with only 4 lug nuts on the front right wheel? the tires are still off the car but there might be enough thread on the stud to at least fasten a lug nut.

Thanks for the help everyone.

 

I agree, accidents happen. All the guys that work there are pretty nice so hopefully they can help me out. Thanks for the input.

 

You can race on 4 lug nuts, though, I wouldn't. It's pretty straight forward to replace the wheel stud.

You can replace the wheel stud pretty easily. Take the wheel/caliper/rotor out, bang the damaged wheel stud out with a hammer, put a new one in, and use an open ended lug/nut and a few washers to put it in place.

If you need to drive, I'd just make sure all the other lugs are torqued down, not to mention, I'd check them at intervals.

I replaced a wheel stud in like 90 minutes... so... shop rate x 1.5hrs.

 

Very lame but its an easy fix if you have the time but can you pm me the shops name so I can avoid them?

 

any reputable shop will fix it/ pay to fix it... Good luck!

 

It is a really easy fix. If the shop tells you tough crap, I can help you replace it. I live in Santa Rosa.

 

A shop would typically charge 25 bucks for a mucked up stud. It's an easy fix, a stud is cheap, but if you haven't the time or tools I say have a shop do it real quick if you're still in Seattle. A 14HR drive would still be all right to do, but personally it would weigh on my mind.

 

Thanks man, I would really appreciate that. I have done all the work on my car myself (turbo, springs, maintenance, etc) but I don't think I have the right tools for this kind of repair and don't want to risk breaking something.

Thanks for the help everyone!

 

I just changed 2 fronts last weekend. Here are step by step picture instructions; it's really easy: Replace broken wheel stud on 2004-2007 STi (front) - Subaru Impreza WRX STI Forums: IWSTI.com

 

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